FOI Files: Trump 2.0

Here we go again. And then some.

The new presidential administration appears determined to conduct its work in secrecy, requiring even more diligence from investigative reporters. Eight years ago, I wrote an FOI Files column about the beginning of Donald J. Trump’s first term, noting agency clampdowns on records, attacks on leakers, political oversight of press releases, and vitriolic attacks demonizing the media. So far this term looks like it will be much, much worse. Let’s take a look at what has so far transpired since Jan. 20, and what journalists can do to inform the public.